My spring schedule was as varied as the beautiful birdsongs that fill the air during this time of year.
Cheers to the Craig-Thornton family for making Music By Laurel Jean part of "Granny" Shirley's surprise eightieth birthday party in March! Shirley (pictured below with her husband Charles) is the proud grandmother of Shelby, a beautiful, intelligent young lady whom I was blessed to mentor when I first came to Charleston. The ongoing friendship of this dear family means more than my words can express.
This spring, I also worked with the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department as a teaching artist for the After School Arts Enrichment Program, teaching music appreciation, with an emphasis on the piano, to children between the ages of 3 and 12 years. These children were all sighted. The Arts Department provided little roll-up electronic keyboards for the students, and I found some great keyboard guides and easy sheet music on the Internet for the kids.
In the interest of the children's privacy, no pictures were taken. Just imagine a classroom with 26 kids between the ages of 3 and 6 on one day, between the ages of 7 and 12 on another, each with their own little keyboard, all playing something different simultaneously. It's quite an experience!
On a sunny day in May, I caught a cab to the Peninsula of Charleston to spend an afternoon with Carolyn from Illinois, a long-time friend who for many years was also one of my professional drivers. She and a friend of hers were on a bus tour of the Southeast, and were spending a few days here in the "Holy City." It was so good to see her again! We had a wonderful time, strolling around the market and enjoying lunch at "The Cracked Egg."
May 6 marked my 31st anniversary of professional music and ministry. Over the years, God has blessed me with so many unique opportunities to present for audiences of all ages, on all walks of life. There really is never a dull moment! Thank God, and thank you for your continued prayers and support.
On a personal note, I'd like to extend my appreciation to everyone who offered their prayers and their help during Audrey's recovery from emergency gall bladder surgery. She and her guide Jessie are doing well and shining God's Light, as always.
Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!
© 2019 by Laurel Jean Walden
